Shout out for Better Records

I agree hddano, his time is not worth an additional $400 for a used record, not to me anyway.  I get enough pleasure from the records I buy through the usual channels.  Not all of them are great, even the 180gm records can have mediocre sound.  Most however are very good and just fine. I just can't justify the prices he asks. I don't equate that with buying expensive cable,  or the like, for a variety of reasons. Obviously my better equipment makes all of my music sound better, not just one records worth.

I’ve had several dealings with him in the past.

I happened to buy my EAR 834P from him years ago. He sent it with an extra set of tubes that I wasn’t aware of. So, right there, I was expected to audition tubes and a phono stage, brand new to me, with-in time constraints and on top of this, I had to be responsible for the shipping of the extra tubes that I did not order back to him if I did not want them. When I asked how any hours were on those tubes, he got upset.

He can be a a$$hole!

On top of this, he charges a $100.00 consultation fee for upgrades to the products he sells. He is an a$$hole!

I would never pay that for a record but if you're a lawyer, dr, stockbroker or programmer  making that or more per hour it probably doesn't seem like much

I have had both good and bad results purchasing records from Better Records. I purchased a "White Hot" copy of Steely Dan's Katie lied for $499.00 and it was no better than the one I had purchased in 1975 when it was first released - I guess I already had a "Hot Stamper". I purchased a copy of The Beatles - Help for $175 and it was mediocre at best. When I called him I got another employee who proudly exclaimed that he was the one who rated/priced the record without Tom's input. Another issue I have is that he routinely changes out the covers, lps, and inner sleeves, so you usually will not receive the original package - That just plain is not right! The only consolation is that he promises to purchase the LP back at any time (in same condition of coarse) if you are not pleased with the purchase. I have not taken him up on that yet but intend to do so in the near term. He is an arrogant know it all for sure which does not lend itself to very pleasant conversations on the telephone.